Need 7 Restaurants

[new]

We are going to stay 7 days on site, so we want to try 7 restuarants (we are on the DDP). It will be a family of four (two boys ages 9 and 12). We like to enjoy light breakfast and lunch with a heavier dinner...we are completely open to a nice variety (but we are foodies so we enjoy good quality food, maybe one buffet or two at most). I would love to hear your seven picks for us. We have a hopper and will be visitng in July. The only food item that none of us enjoy is fish. Thanks

 

[disneyvoice]

If you want a nicer buffet I would recommend Boma - different from the normal buffet fare at WDW (but they still have the standard stuff as well). Do you want to stay primarily in the parks though or are you okay with going to different resorts?

 

[new]

If you want a nicer buffet I would recommend Boma - different from the normal buffet fare at WDW (but they still have the standard stuff as well). Do you want to stay primarily in the parks though or are you okay with going to different resorts?

We are completely open to going to parks or visiting other restaurants at resorts. I just want to hear tried and true good places to enjoy our meals.

 

[disneyvoice]

Okay, then definitely Boma as a buffet option. Another buffet that I think is worthwhile is Biergarten in Epcot. It isn't as good as Boma in my opinion but it's nice to have another buffet option with some different items.

We are trying Jiko at AKL for the first time on our next trip after reading so many positive reviews. We also really like Spice Road Table in Epcot, lots of different yummy options (we think Spice Road Table is better than Marrakesh).

We do BoG at MK primarily because it is the "fanciest" restaurant there. The food is good but nothing spectacular, however we tend not to expect phenomenal food in the parks. I still look forward to it though. We also really like The Plaza - the have good sandwiches and salads.

50's Prime Time is a favorite for us at DHS. I have to admit that I wasn't thrilled when I first looked at the menu, it sounded basic and nothing really sounded like something I would just love. However we were pleasantly surprised and have had some of our favorite meals there (both because of the food and the CM interaction).

 

[ToddyLu]

I would recommend Boma( Buffet-non character) or Jiko ( signature dining) at AKV. The Boys could look at animals with night vision googles and it combined with Kidani next door via walk way would be a nice way to enjoy an evening.

Brown Derby is were we always eat in DHS for table service and Sci Fy Theater ( sit down also) restaurant for theming and great hamburgers. However best shakes on property are at Prime Time which is also very themed with CM playing like you are at Mama's house.

California Grill during the night time fireworks is always great. Good sushi and steaks.

Bluezoo in the Dolphin--not on dining plan, and more known for fish, but spectacular appetizers and non seafood options. Service is always top notch. Belongs to Chef Todd English. I have eaten at Olive's twice in DC which he also has, and I think Bluezoo is just as good.

These are the five on our list for May--Jiko, Bluezoo, Brown Derby, Morimoto ( new fav), Boma ( breakfast buffet).

China at Epcot has a nice counter service behind the main restaurant, LeCellier in France was also very good last October.

We tried Tiffins in AK last October and it was very nice.

For fun on an MK day--take the boat outside main gate for dinner at Trails End. If late afternoon you can sight see for a few minutes then take boat back for Night time stuff. Just the boat ride is fun.

Whatever you decide I would make meals around 5-5:30 so I could get back for evening shows which Disney is know for. Also allow for an hour's travel.

 

[Harambe]

I would never do that many TS restaurants, but I see you are doing the DDP (which we never do), so I guess you need 7!!! I can only come up with 5 - hahaha!

Jiko (AKL) - fabulous african inspired menu. Very fresh, and also has great wine, if you are so inclined.
Biergarten (Germany, Epcot) - buffet. Fun, different food, with wonderful dessert options.
Sci-Fi (Studios) - food is okay at best, but the place is so fun! And who can turn their nose up at a great burger and milkshake!
San Angel Inn (Mexico, Epcot) - nice food, and the atmosphere is wonderful! They have the little Mexico boat ride here, and this is the first time we let our kids go on a ride by themselves, since we were sitting right by the water! Only negative is that they don't have a really good dessert, but you can stroll along the World Showcase and grab something that looks good for dessert.
Narcoossee's (GF) - busy, but very good food. Also fun to book this on a MK day and take the boat over to GF. The boat docks right at the restaurant. Almond-crusted cheesecake!

 

[dclpluto]

As others have said boma. Boma was the best meal I had at wdw. I haven't been to any signature dining thou.

At animal kingdom I recommend
Tusker house but it's also a buffet.
Get the rivers of light dining package

 

[Ambehnke]

I second BoG and San Angel Inn. Via Napoli too.

 

[Uncranky Donald]

I would add Whispering Canyon Cafe to the list. I think it could be a good lunch or dinner spot for you guys, especially if the boys want to play in the WL arcade before or afterwards, its right on the other side of the lobby It can also be an all-you-can-eat skillet or separate meals!

 

[DJFan88]

Via Napoli was very good. Liked the 1900 Park Fare breakfast, lots of fun. Chef de France is next on my to try list.
For a different buffet, Tusker House is good. Many people who like good food swear by The Wave. I may try that next time too.

 

[VACamm]

My favorite for kids are:

Boma
Be Our Guest
Crystal Palace
Sci Fi
San Angel Inn
Via Napoli
Tusker House

Have Fun!!!

 

[MimiOfTwo]

Boma
1900 park fare breakfast
Ohana dinner
Be Our Guest dinner
Via Napoli
California Grill (2 credits but worth it for the fireworks view)

 

[VAfamily1998]

We are going to stay 7 days on site, so we want to try 7 restuarants (we are on the DDP). It will be a family of four (two boys ages 9 and 12). We like to enjoy light breakfast and lunch with a heavier dinner...we are completely open to a nice variety (but we are foodies so we enjoy good quality food, maybe one buffet or two at most). I would love to hear your seven picks for us. We have a hopper and will be visitng in July. The only food item that none of us enjoy is fish. Thanks

We also have boys (ages 17, 15, 12, and 10) and do not eat seafood/fish.
Some of our favorites:

Sci Fi in Hollywood studios--especially when it is hot outside, a nice cool,dark, relaxing respite. NOT recommended if it is important to you to converse or spend "quality time" over a meal
Biergarten in Epcot--Buffet, you will share the table with another party. Fun to watch the band play
Garden Grill in Epcot--not a buffet, but food served "family style" (large platters brought to the table and you all serve yourself from that) My kids love Chip and Dale...Mickey and Pluto are also there
Hoop de Doo Review--just a FUN time.

 

[5DisneyNuts]

I would sketch out parks first, then add dining based on where you will be. Don't under-estimate how long it takes to travel and get into the parks. I am going to give my opinions based on it sounding like this is your first time and having 2 boys. This may not necessarily equate to the best food, but more about the experiences. Also, you are going in July, which is unbelievably hot, so take that into account.

Many of the restaurants mentioned by the previous posters will count for 2 table service entitlements so you will wind up paying out of pocket for other meals.

MK - BoG is the biggie if you can get it. Not bad for dinner and the boys will see the Beast. (Touring Plans has a reservation finder where you can sign up alerts.) If you are traveling out of MK, Chef Mickeys is at the CR. We haven't been there in awhile and the dinner food gets both bad and not so bad reviews, but you are traveling on the monorail to a place where the boys get to see the Fab 5 with a monorail overhead. Plus the store and the canyon area are cool. Fireworks can be viewed from the 4th floor deck. 'Ohana is also a monorail ride away and a crazy hectic atmosphere. Before or after dinner you can stroll around the resort or watch the fireworks from the beach.

EPCOT - Garden Grill has characters at all 3 meals, served family style in a rotating restaurant. Coral Reef is good food (non of us eat seafood either and really like it) and it is really cool to watch the fish in the tank next to the tables. San Angel Inn has a great atmosphere and fun pavilion. Biergarten is a great atmosphere and fun watching the performers - note, that the tables are for 10, so you will be sharing. Via Napoli - not much atmosphere but great servers and pizza and always a fun time (grab a slice for lunch too as an option). If you need a break from the park, you can take a boat to the Boardwalk and grab something at ESPN - TVs with every sport imaginable. The boys can run along the boardwalk and check out the arcade games.

DHS - I would only do SciFi here with the boys. This is a place where you can hop to EPCOT or the Boardwalk since there are many more choices there. Try to get back for Fantasmic.

AK - I would consider doing the ROL dinner package at Tusker. That may be the only way you will get to see the show (or Tiffins pkg for 2TS) unless you use a FP and I understand it is a must do. Going from AK to AKL to try Boma or Sanaa for a break before ROL would be fun too since AKL is really beautiful and the boys can see all the animals.

DS - lots of great QS places here too that you won't need to use a TS credit. But if you are planning on going and looking for a TS you have T-Rex (boys + dinosaurs!). I am not familiar with all the new places however.

Check out the menus and pictures here and on allears to get a better idea.

Hope that helps - if you want to add where you will be staying and how many days you have in the parks, you may get other ideas too.

 

[Hopefully]

You need to decide and make ADRs ASAP. They can be reserved 180 days in advance and popular restaurants book to capacity soon thereafter. It won't matter what folks recommend if you can not get in.

 

[MatzoBelle]

For foodies (but some cost two credits): Sanaa, Jiko, Spice Road Table, Bluezoo, Homecoming, California Grill, and the wine cellar at Tutto Gusto.

 

[hooch11bear]

California Grill
Narcoossee's
San Angel
Via Napoli
Brown Derby
Yak & Yeti
Sanaa

 

[5DisneyNuts]

Everyone is different but I wouldn't bring my 9 & 12 year old boys to a lot of the high end signature places at WDW at that age. Not because they couldn't behave, they could and we went to many fine restaurants at home. I just think with some of the cool experiences you can't find elsewhere, they all would have a better time.

 

[MatzoBelle]

Should have added Tiffin above.

 

[TheInvernessie]

I'm super surprised nobody has said 'Ohana yet. Its a beautiful table service at the Polynesian, for either Breakfast (Character, All-You-Care-To-Eat) and Dinner (NO CHARACTER and All You Care to Eat). The food selection is pretty awesome, and I feel like its a little gem in the Magic Kingdom area. I know I'll be heading there on my upcoming trip because I love it so much. Total recommend!